After causing that misunderstanding, Hisui became noticeably quieter for the rest of the journey.
The girls also calmed down and shifted more of their attention toward the scenery outside the windows.
The three carriages traveled with occasional stops along the way, and it took them another full day before they finally returned to Magnolia.
Naturally, the members of Fairy Tail received an extremely warm welcome from the entire town.
Even the mayor personally brought people out to greet them.
However, when the old mayor saw Hisui mixed in among Fairy Tail's group, he was completely startled.
He immediately forgot about Makarov and the others, rushing forward to pay his respects to the princess.
But Hisui understood that she was not the main character today.
After accepting the mayor's greeting, she casually dismissed him.
From then on, it became Fairy Tail's time to shine.
They enjoyed the cheers and applause of the townspeople, proudly walking through the central streets with great excitement as they headed straight toward the guild.
"Everyone from Fairy Tail is much more popular than I expected."
Walking in the middle of the group while deliberately lowering her own presence, Hisui looked at the enthusiastic townspeople on both sides of the street and softly muttered to herself.
In her impression, Fairy Tail was indeed an outstanding guild.
But their reputation was never exactly perfect.
Not only did the Magic Council frequently send them letters of criticism, there were even many noble officials within Fiore who had complained about Fairy Tail members being arrogant, reckless, and causing trouble everywhere.
Makarov, who was accompanying the princess, heard her mutter and immediately broke into a cold sweat, feeling extremely embarrassed.
"Princess Hisui, the brats in our guild are a little reckless sometimes, but they are definitely not the kind of people who deliberately break laws and cause trouble."
The word "deliberately" was used so perfectly that Hisui did not even know how to respond.
Yes, it was true that Fairy Tail had never intentionally committed any major crimes.
But running naked through the streets, beating up nobles, destroying houses and farmland, burning forests, and even damaging mountains were things they had done plenty of times.
The only reason the guild had avoided serious consequences every time was because Makarov was fast enough at admitting fault and apologizing.
Otherwise, based on the things Fairy Tail had done over the years, the guild would have been expelled from the official guild system long ago.
Of course, Hisui only thought these things in her heart.
After she married Kabe tomorrow, Fairy Tail would become part of her own family.
Unless the guild someday tried to rebel, the royal family could simply turn a blind eye to smaller mistakes.
And the townspeople's welcome was only the beginning.
The guild members' own efforts completely ignited the entire Magnolia afterward.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Colorful magical fireworks shot into the sky.
After blooming with dazzling light, they formed the symbol of Fairy Tail.
"Master, everyone, congratulations on your triumphant return!!"
Macau and the other guild members who had stayed behind came outside the guild to welcome everyone.
"You bunch of brats."
Makarov laughed and cursed at them lightly.
But seeing this scene, his heart was filled with happiness.
"Stop standing around! Let's get started!"
"This time, we're holding a celebration for the entire town!"
"Ohhhhhh!!"
The guild members and townspeople cheered together.
Under the arrangements of Makarov and the mayor, everyone quickly got to work.
Some people brought vegetables.
Others brought fresh meat.
The restaurants in town provided staff, while Fairy Tail and several taverns supplied endless amounts of wine.
Residents and visitors alike put aside their differences and gathered together in the streets and squares, beginning the liveliest celebration Magnolia had ever seen.
Hisui stared blankly at two people who had just met moments ago, now laughing together with their arms around each other's shoulders as they sang and danced.
Guild members and townspeople happily clinked glasses and drank together.
Children happily held cakes given to them by adults, eating with smiles across their faces.
Erza walked over carrying two glasses of wine.
She handed one to Hisui and asked:
"How does it feel?"
Hisui thanked her and accepted the glass.
Looking at everyone who had completely immersed themselves in the joyful atmosphere, she sighed.
"It's completely chaotic. This is nothing like any banquet I have ever attended."
"But for some reason, I can't bring myself to dislike it."
"In fact, I feel like I want to join them as soon as possible."
"You actually like this kind of vulgar banquet? You're really not acting like a princess."
Erza smiled and teased her.
Then she grabbed Hisui's hand.
"If you like it, then go."
"Forget about your identity as a princess. Today, there is no princess. There is only Hisui, who wants to celebrate together with everyone."
Hisui did not refuse.
She allowed Erza to lead her away.
Seeing that Hisui successfully blended into the crowd, Kabe also withdrew his gaze.
Just as he was about to find something to fill his stomach, a large barrel of alcohol was suddenly slammed down in front of him.
Macau, Wakaba, Warren, and several other guild companions stood there.